Line-of-Duty Deaths
This page honors those EMS professionals who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Each tribute recognizes the individuals who dedicated themselves to patient care and public service. We extend our sincere condolences to their families, colleagues and communities. For additional support and remembrance, visit the National EMS Memorial.
Firefighter Patrick Cullum discusses the pain and lessons from an incident that killed Chief Kenneth Lehr and his desire to honor his mentor and friend
Being in the business of saving lives doesn’t give us a pass at living; Ralph Oswald demonstrated how to make our personal health and the world better
Arrowhead EMS speaker implores EMS managers to plan and prepare for the inevitability of a LODD in their organization
An estimated 850 people, including honor guards from Boston, New York and Quebec, came to pay their respects at the service
Brian Kutil, 42, struggled during the 500-meter swim recertification; he was pulled from the water but later died at a hospital
The decision enables NEMSMS to better collaborate and consolidate resources for the annual memorial service that honors fallen EMS providers
Steciak had just been promoted to captain in November and first joined the volunteer ranks at the age of 14; he was remembered as someone who helped and protected people
Erik Steciak, 29, was a paramedic and member of several fire companies
Responders used a vehicle equipped with a snow plow to maneuver a patient’s driveway in bad weather; it slid and hit the medic
He called out to his partner who found him clutching his chest; he was transported to a local hospital but responders weren’t able to revive him
The longtime volunteer was treated and transported by fellow responders
We struggle through the stages of grief in a heightened manner because we are supposed to be the heroes, not the fallen
Kellen Fleming, 29, was treated by fellow responders but ultimately succumbed to his injury
He succumbed to injuries sustained in an Oct. 4 crash that also killed a flight nurse and patient on board
Michael Howard, 46, was a paramedic for 22 years; he died of a heart attack while responding to a call
Mike Howard was “a joker” who liked to pull harmless pranks, was very dedicated to his job, and was awaiting the arrival of his first grandchild
Michael Howard, 46, was a Leon County paramedic for 22 years; he died on scene
William Wiita, 47, was found unresponsive following a medical run
The twin engine was filled with jet fuel instead of aviation gasoline; a report doesn’t say if this contributed to the crash that killed a paramedic, pilot, nurse and patient on board
The fire chief described Kevin Ollier as a passionate firefighter/medic who cared about his patients
A paramedic, pilot, nurse and patient all died when the plane crashed and burst into flames on the way to Phoenix; the cause is under investigation
The medic has been identified William Mallock; a second pilot and nurse survived the crash on the way back from dropping off a paitent
Pilot David Cavigneaux, flight nurse and paramedic Rebecca Serkey, and base manager James Butler were killed when their medical helicopter crashed into a mountainside
He was found unconscious in the building; firefighters and medics were unable to revive him
He has been identified as Dennis Rushing; the name of the other medic killed is still being withheld
The ambulance and semi truck collided on a highway; their names have not yet been released
The monument was dedicated in remembrance of the first five EMS and fire professionals who died in the line of duty
The coroner is investigating the death of Steve Phillips, 50, who died in the back of an ambulance after his partner tried to save his life
The funeral for Lt. Edward Walsh is today and firefighter Michael Kennedy’s funeral will be aired Thursday
Mayor: ‘Words cannot repay the debt of gratitude that we owe these men and their loved ones.... They put themselves in harm’s way so that others may be safe.’
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